From a normal school of teachers in 1891 to joining the University of North Carolina system in 1971, ECSU is a place where the smartest minds from all over the country come together to discover, learn and cultivate the foundations of their future.

In ECSU's ten academic departments, we are educating some of the world's most brilliant minds. Our students are exposed to innovative research opportunities that extend their learning beyond textbooks and classrooms.

Life at ECSU provides a range of experiences that are invaluable to your academic and personal growth. Our students come from different places and backgrounds, but together they create a diverse, close-knit community that seeks to create a better world.

Robert Boone, Jr.

Campus Events You Enjoyed Participating In and The Reason(s):I enjoy participating in Homecoming and Viking Fest events because I get to hear from
alums of the university about their experiences here at ECSU. I also like attending
the student body meetings because you get to see students perform and share their
talents.

Your words to live by:Be the change that you wish to see!

Professors who have influenced you and whyDr. Tarsha Rogers and Dr. Ebere Oriaku. These two professors, who are both committed
to student success, encrouraged me to get involved and make a difference of campus.

Robert Boone, Jr.

Leadership is something Robert Boone takes to naturally. The Elizabeth City State
University senior has not only served on the Student Government Association, but also
as an intern working with public school students to implement a Student Government
Association for Bertie County Schools.

“I worked under the supervision of superintendent, Dr. Catherine Edmonds and executive
assistant, Ms. Kim Cooper,” said Boone. “I was tasked with implementing a Student
Government Association in the district. My overall goal for the SGA was give students
a voice, create transparent relationships, develop student leaders, and improve school
and student engagement.”

Boone took on a big job over the summer, but the business administration major was
up to the task. He says that as a former student in Bertie County, he enjoyed working
with the school district’s leadership on this project.

“I believe my internship with Bertie County Schools was useful and worthwhile because
I gained a lot of valuable knowledge,” Boone said.

It’s knowledge that Boone hopes to use when he pursues a future as a higher education
administrator.

“I also take advantage of every opportunity that I receive to shadow administrators
here at ECSU,” he said.

As a student growing up in Bertie County, Boone was no stranger to ECSU. The university
is just a couple of counties away from his rural northeastern North Carolina home.
But it was an open house on the ECSU campus that helped him make his decision to become
a Viking.

“I knew that this is where I belonged,” said Boone. “Along with the affordability,
the staff and students were so welcoming that I immediately fell in love with the
university.”

Boone’s time at ECSU has been one he describes as positive and forward thinking, molding
him into a leader. His activities on campus, the organizations he has joined, and
the people at ECSU have all contributed, he says, to his growth here.

“Over the years I have met a lot of faculty and staff that committed to the success
of the students and this institution,” said Boone. “I wouldn’t trade my student experience
for any other school. I am proud to be a Viking!”

Being proud of his school, Boone sees opportunity for future Vikings. As the current
freshman class settles into life on campus, representing the largest surge of new
freshman in years, Boone has some advice for them.

“Don’t let ECSU make you, you make ECSU,” he said. “We all have something special
to bring to the table. The student experience is what you make it. Get involved on
campus with different clubs, committees, organizations. Let your voice be heard!”